[fabrizioitwloch]

Hi everyone and thank you for all the wonderful information on this web site. It is really of a great help to those of us trying to find our feet!

I started Atkins Induction phase almost three weeks ago now. I lost 4 pounds during the first two weeks. Unfortunately/ fortunately I had to attend a seminar during the second weekend into the Induction phase. I behaved myself quite well, or so I thought...

My staple diet for the weekend consisted of biltong (very similar to beef jerky) and Atkins Endulge bars (Caramel Nut Chew). I drank lots of water, and we were extremely active for the duration of the seminar - jumping up and down, walking a lot, standing for long periods of time, etc.

I know muscle weighs more than fat, but still did not expect to gain back 2 pounds over the weekend! I am now slowly losing again (at a rate of less than half a pound per day), and am almost back down to the original 4 pound I lost by the end of last week before the seminar.

Are these Atkins bars allowed on the Induction phase? Or could the increased levels of activity really make such a big difference?

Thanks
Mari

[juliannamed]

Your temporary gain was most likely caused by a combination of things.

1. Any dried meat is loaded with sodium, which will cause fluid retention.
2. The bars have sugar alcohols deducted from the total carb count, however, SOME of those carbs are digestible. Some people seem to be able to use those carbs better than other people. If you're one of them, then you were getting FAR more carbs than the "2 net grams" on the package.
3. The kind of "activity" you describe is not what will build muscle. And you won't build it in one weekend. A male body builder training intensely can only HOPE to add 1# per WEEK. Your extra activity over the two days could cause you muscle fatigue (if you're out of shape) which could lead to fluid retention.
4. Did you keep up on the water intake? If that was down, again... I'm thinking fluid retention.

Plan of action I'd suggest?

WATER WATER WATER
Fresh vegies (no canned)
Fresh meats (no processed or canned meats)
Exercise
Reduce cheese intake (high in sodium)... also bottled dressings and pickled anything.

Hope this helps. Those 2# should be history again soon enough. Next time you need to go to something like this, come here... we'll help you come up with a better plan than jerky and Atkins bars!

Tril

[fabrizioitwloch]

Thank you so much Tril! What you are saying makes sense. I must admit I was a bit disheartened but am feeling a lot better now. At least now I know not to fall into the same trap again....